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Tools to Help Solve Problems: Dell Precision Workstation 390 User's Guide

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Tools to Help Solve Problems

Dell Precision™ Workstation 390 User's Guide

Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP

Diagnostic Lights

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "1," "2," "3," and "4" on the front. The lights can be "off" or green. When the computer starts normally, the lights flash. After the computer starts, all four lights display solid green. If the computer malfunctions, the pattern of the lights identify the problem.

Diagnostic Light Codes During POST

Light Pattern

Problem Description

Suggested Resolution

The computer is in a normal off condition or a possible pre-BIOS failure has occurred.

The diagnostic lights are not lit after the system successfully boots to the operating system.

Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet and press the power button.

A possible BIOS failure has occurred; the computer is in the recovery mode.

Run the BIOS Recovery utility, wait for recovery completion, and then restart the computer.

A possible processor failure has occurred.

Reinstall the processor and restart the computer.

Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred.

Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.
Restart the computer.
If the problem still exists, remove all the memory modules and install one memory module in memory module connector 4.
Restart the computer.

The following message appears: Alert! Operating in Debug Mode. Please Populate Memory in Pairs for Normal Operation.

Press <F1> to boot to the operating system.
Run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
If the memory module passes, shut down the computer (see Turn Off Your Computer), remove the memory module, and then repeat the process with the remaining memory modules until a memory error occurs during start-up or diagnostic testing.

If the first memory module tested is defective, repeat the process with the remaining modules to ensure that the remaining modules are not defective.

When the defective memory module is identified, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell) for a replacement.

NOTE: If necessary, the computer can operate in debug mode until new memory modules are installed.

A possible expansion card failure has occurred.

Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not the graphics card) and then restarting the computer.
If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, remove a different card, and then restart the computer.
Repeat this process for each card. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities).

NOTE: If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).

A possible graphics card failure has occurred.

If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card, reinstall it, and then restart the computer.
If the problem still exists, install a graphics card that you know works and restart the computer.
If the problem persists or the computer has integrated graphics, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).

A possible floppy or hard drive failure has occurred.

Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.

A possible USB failure has occurred.

Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and then restart the computer.

No memory modules are detected.

Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.
Restart the computer.
If the problem still exists, remove all the memory modules and install one memory module in memory module connector 4.
Restart the computer.

The following message appears: Alert! Operating in Debug Mode. Please Populate Memory in Pairs for Normal Operation.

Press <F1> to boot to the operating system.
Run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
If the memory module passes, shut down the computer (see Turn Off Your Computer), remove the memory module, and then repeat the process with the remaining memory modules until a memory error occurs during start-up or diagnostic testing.

If the first memory module tested is defective, repeat the process with the remaining modules to ensure that the remaining modules are not defective.

When the defective memory module is identified, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell) for a replacement.

NOTE: If necessary, the computer can operate in debug mode until new memory modules are installed.

No memory modules are detected.

If you have one memory module installed, reinstall it and restart the computer.
If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module, and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional module. Continue until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
If available, install properly working memory (see Memory) of the same type into your computer.
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).

System board failure has occurred.

Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell) for technical assistance.

Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error exists.

Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist (see Memory).
Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer.
Reinstall the memory modules and restart the computer.
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).

A possible system board resource and/or hardware failure has occurred.

Perform the procedures in Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities.

If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).

A possible expansion card failure has occurred.

Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not a graphics card) and restarting the computer.
If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, remove a different card, and then restart the computer.
Repeat this process for each card. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities).
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).

Another failure has occurred.

Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive.
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).

The computer is in a normal operating condition after POST.

NOTE: After a short time, the diagnostic lights turn off after the computer successfully boots to the operating system.

None.

Beep Codes

Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. One possible beep code (code 1-3-1) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a memory problem.

If your computer beeps during start-up:

Write down the beep code on the Diagnostics Checklist.
Run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics) to identify a more serious cause.
Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell) for technical assistance.

Code

Cause

1-1-2

Microprocessor register failure

1-1-3

NVRAM read/write failure

1-1-4

ROM BIOS checksum failure

1-2-1

Programmable interval timer failure

1-2-2

DMA initialization failure

1-2-3

DMA page register read/write failure

1-3

Video Memory Test failure

1-3-1 through 2-4-4

Memory not being properly identified or used

1-3-2

Memory problem

3-1-1

Slave DMA register failure

3-1-2

Master DMA register failure

3-1-3

Master interrupt mask register failure

3-1-4

Slave interrupt mask register failure

3-2-2

Interrupt vector loading failure

3-2-4

Keyboard Controller Test failure

3-3-1

NVRAM power loss

3-3-2

Invalid NVRAM configuration

3-3-4

Video Memory Test failure

3-4-1

Screen initialization failure

3-4-2

Screen retrace failure

3-4-3

Search for video ROM failure

4-2-1

No timer tick

4-2-2

Shutdown failure

4-2-3

Gate A20 failure

4-2-4

Unexpected interrupt in protected mode

4-3-1

Memory failure above address 0FFFFh

4-3-3

Timer-chip counter 2 failure

4-3-4

Time-of-day clock stopped

4-4-1

Serial or parallel port test failure

4-4-2

Failure to decompress code to shadowed memory

4-4-3

Math-coprocessor test failure

4-4-4

Cache test failure

Error Messages

Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.

A filename cannot contain any of the following characters: \ / : * ? " < > | —   Do not use these characters in filenames.

A required .DLL file was not found — The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program:

Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs.
Select the program you want to remove.
Click the Change or Remove Program icon.
See the program documentation for installation instructions.

Alert! CPU Fan Not Detected — Ensure that the cooling fan and airflow shroud are properly installed and working.

Alert! Previous attempts at booting this system have failed at checkpoint [nnnn]. For help in resolving this problem, please note this checkpoint and contact Dell Technical Support — Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell) and report the checkpoint code (nnnn) to the support technician.

Alert! Previous Fan Failures —

Alert! Previous Processor Thermal Failure —

Alert! Previous Shutdown Due to Thermal Event —
Ensure that nothing is blocking the airflow vents and that all the fans are properly installed and operating correctly. Also, ensure that the processor heat-sink assembly is properly installed.

Alert! Previous Reboot Was Due to Voltage Regulator Failure — Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell)for assistance.

Alert! System Battery Voltage is Low — Replace the battery (see Battery).

Alert! Unable to Initialize all Installed Memory —

Alert! Uncorrectable Memory Error Previously Detected... Address xxxxxxxxh, Device DIMM_Y —

See Memory Problems.

Attachment failed to respond — See Drive Problems.

Bad command or file name — Ensure that you spelled the command correctly, put spaces in the proper place, and used the correct path name.

Bad error-correction code (ECC) on disk read — See Drive Problems.

Controller has failed — See Drive Problems.

Data error — See Drive Problems.

Decreasing available memory — See Lockups and Software Problems.

Diskette drive 0 seek failure — See Drive Problems.

Diskette read failure — See Drive Problems.

Diskette subsystem reset failed — Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).

Diskette write protected — Slide the write-protect notch to the open position.

Drive not ready — Put a floppy disk in the drive.

Gate A20 failure — See Lockups and Software Problems.

Hard-disk configuration error —

Hard-disk controller failure —

Hard-disk drive failure —

Hard-disk drive failure —
See Drive Problems.

Insert bootable media   — Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.

Invalid configuration information - please run SETUP program — Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup) and correct the computer configuration information.

Keyboard failure — See Keyboard Problems.

Memory address line failure at address, read value expecting value — See Lockups and Software Problems.

Memory allocation error —

Turn off the computer, wait 30 seconds, and then restart the computer.
Try to run the program again.
If the error message appears again, see the software documentation for additional troubleshooting suggestions.

Memory data line failure at address, read value expecting value —

Memory double word logic failure at address, read value expecting value —

Memory odd/even logic failure at address, read value expecting value —

Memory write/read failure at address, read value expecting value —

Memory size in CMOS invalid —

See Lockups and Software Problems.

No boot device available —

If the floppy drive is your boot device, ensure that a bootable floppy disk is in the drive.
If the hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the cables are connected and that the drive is installed properly and partitioned as a boot device.
Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup) and ensure that the boot sequence information is correct.

No boot sector on hard-disk drive — Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup) and ensure that the computer configuration information for the hard drive is correct.

If the message continues to appear after you ensure that the information in system setup is correct, see your operating system documentation for reinstallation information.

No timer tick interrupt —   Run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).

Non-system disk or disk error — Replace the floppy disk with one that has a bootable operating system or remove the floppy disk from drive A and restart the computer.

Not a boot diskette — Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart your computer.

Not enough memory or resources. Close some programs and try again — Close all windows and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you might have to restart your computer to restore computer resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first.

Operating system not found — Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).

Please Connect USB Keyboard/Mouse to USB Ports on the Back of the Computer — Turn your computer off, connect the USB keyboard and/or mouse to the USB connectors on the back of the computer, and then restart your computer.

Plug and Play Configuration Error —

Turn your computer off, unplug it from the electrical outlet, and then remove all but one of the cards.
Plug in your computer and reboot it.
If the message reappears, the installed card might be malfunctioning. If the message does not reappear, turn off the computer and reinsert one of the other cards.
Repeat this process until you identify which card is malfunctioning.

Read fault —

Requested sector not found —

Reset failed —

See Drive Problems.

Sector not found —

Run the Windows error-checking utility to check the file structure on the floppy disk or hard drive. See Windows Help for instructions.
If a large number of sectors are defective, back up the data (if possible), and then reformat the floppy disk or hard drive.

Seek error — See Drive Problems.

Shutdown failure — Run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).

Time-of-day clock stopped —

Time-of-day not set —
Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup) and correct the date or time. If the problem persists, replace the battery (see Replacing the Battery.

Timer chip counter 2 failed — Run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).

Unexpected interrupt in protected mode — Run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).

WARNING: Dell's Disk Monitoring System has detected that drive [0/1] on the [primary/secondary] IDE controller is operating outside of normal specifications. It is advisable to immediately back up your data and replace your hard drive by calling your support desk or Dell —
If no replacement drive is immediately available and the drive is not the only bootable drive, Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup) and change the appropriate drive setting to None. Then remove the drive from the computer.

Write fault —

Write fault on selected drive —

See Drive Problems.

<drive letter>:\ is not accessible. The device is not ready — The floppy drive cannot read the disk. Insert a floppy disk into the drive and try again.

Dell Diagnostics

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in Solving Problems and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell (see Contacting Dell) for technical assistance.

It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.

NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.

Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup), review your computer's configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test displays in system setup and is active.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD).

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with all computers.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

Turn on (or restart) your computer.
When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics) from your Drivers and Utilities CD.

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop. Then shut down the computer (see Turn Off Your Computer), and try again.

When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.
When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test that you want to run (see Dell Diagnostics Main Menu for a list of tests).

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with all computers.

Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.
Shut down the computer (see Turn Off Your Computer).

When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down the computer (see Turn Off Your Computer), and try again.

NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in system setup.

When the boot device list appears, highlight IDE CD-ROM Device and press <Enter>.
Select the IDE CD-ROM Device option from the CD boot menu.
Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears.
Type 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.
Select the option to start the Dell Diagnostics and press <Enter>.
Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer.
When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test that you want to run.

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.

Option

Function

Express Test

Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.

Extended Test

Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes 1 hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.

Custom Test

Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.

Symptom Tree

Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.

If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.

If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell, technical support will ask for your Service Tag.

If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following table for more information.

Tab

Function

Results

Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.

Errors

Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.

Help

Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.

Configuration

Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.

The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.

Parameters

Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.

When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics) from the Drivers and Utilities CD, remove the CD.
Close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen.

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.

A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.

Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation or configuration is needed.

NOTICE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may contain drivers for operating systems that are not on your computer. Ensure that you are installing software appropriate for your operating system.

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with all computers.

Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft^® Windows^® operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:

Upgrade your operating system.
Reinstall your operating system.
Connect or install a new device.

Identifying Drivers

If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.

Windows XP

Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
Click System.
In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
Click Device Manager.
Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on the device icon.

If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver (see Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities) or install a new driver.

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Drivers and Utilities CD provide approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with all computers.

Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback

If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.

Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
Click System.
In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
Click Device Manager.
Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties.
Click the Drivers tab.
Click Roll Back Driver.

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore (see Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State)to return your computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver.

Using the Drivers and Utilities CD

If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the Resource CD).

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with all computers.

Manually Reinstalling Drivers

After extracting the driver files to your hard drive as described in the previous section, click the Start button and right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver.
Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.
Click the Driver tab and click Update Driver.
Click Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and click Next.
Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously copied the driver files.
When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next.
Click Finish and restart your computer.

Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the Microsoft® Windows® XP Help and Support Center for information on using System Restore.

NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them.

Creating a Restore Point

Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
Click System Restore.
Follow the instructions on the screen.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

Click the Start button, point to All Programs® Accessories® System Tools, and then click System Restore.
Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next.
Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.

The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.

Select a restore point and click Next.

If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.

Click Next.

The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the computer restarts.

After the computer restarts, click OK.

To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.

Undoing the Last System Restore

NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

Click the Start button, point to All Programs® Accessories® System Tools, and then click System Restore.
Click Undo my last restoration and click Next.
Click Next.

The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.

After the computer restarts, click OK.

Enabling System Restore

If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled:

Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
Click Performance and Maintenance.
Click System.
Click the System Restore tab.
Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.
Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.
In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and click Next.

Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP

NOTICE: You must use Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later when you reinstall Windows XP.

Before You Begin

If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback (see Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback). If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore (see Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State) to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver.

To avoid critical setup issues when you reinstall the Microsoft Windows XP operating system on your computer, you must also reinstall the device drivers located on the ResourceCD that was shipped with your computer.

NOTICE: Before you reinstall the device drivers and the Windows XP operating system, back up all data files on your primary hard drive. For conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer.

To reinstall the drivers and Windows XP, you need the following items:

One blank floppy disk
Dell Operating System CD (optional)
Dell Drivers and Utilities CD

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the Drivers and Utilities CD to load additional required drivers, including the drivers required if your computer has a RAID controller.

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with all computers.

Reinstalling Windows XP

To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.

The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall any additional device drivers, the virus protection program, and other software.

NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so.

NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed on your computer before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the software for instructions.

Booting From the Optional Operating System CD

Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if Install Windows XP message appears.
Restart the computer.
Press <F12> immediately after the DELL™ logo appears.

If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the computer and try again.

Press the arrow keys to select CD-ROM, and press <Enter>.
When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears, press any key.

Windows XP Setup

When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter> to select To set up Windows now.
Read the information on the Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement screen, and press <F8> to accept the license agreement.
If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your current Windows XP data, type r to select the repair option, and remove the CD.
If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to select that option.
Press <Enter> to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and follow the instructions on the screen.

The Windows XP Setup screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and install the devices. The computer automatically restarts multiple times.

NOTE: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of your computer.

NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD.

When the Regional and Language Options screen appears, select the settings for your location and click Next.
Enter your name and organization (optional) in the Personalize Your Software screen, and click Next.
At the Computer Name and Administrator Password window, enter a name for your computer (or accept the one provided) and a password, and click Next.
If the Modem Dialing Information screen appears, enter the requested information and click Next.
Enter the date, time, and time zone in the Date and Time Settings window, and click Next.
If the Networking Settings screen appears, click Typical and click Next.
If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional and you are prompted to provide further information regarding your network configuration, enter your selections. If you are unsure of your settings, accept the default selections.

Windows XP installs the operating system components and configures the computer. The computer automatically restarts.

NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD.

When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click Next.
When the How will this computer connect to the Internet? message appears, click Skip.
When the Ready to register with Microsoft? screen appears, select No, not at this time and click Next.
When the Who will use this computer? screen appears, you can enter up to five users.
Click Next.
Click Finish to complete the setup, and remove the CD.

NOTE: When Windows Setup completes, remove any installed floppy disk and store it in a safe place.

Reinstall the appropriate drivers with the Drivers and Utilities CD (see Manually Reinstalling Drivers).
Reinstall your virus protection software.
Reinstall your programs.

NOTE: To reinstall and activate your Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite programs, you need the Product Key number located on the back of the Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite CD sleeve.

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